This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Advice on the appointment of directors of public health and on transferring those already in post from the NHS has been issued by the Department of Health and Local Government Association.

The advice covers the transition period up to 1 April 2013 when, under the Health and Social Care Bill, local authorities will take on new functions in public health. To ensure all appointments are fit for purpose in the future, it is recommended that all appointments during the transition period reflect the anticipated changes set out in the most recent policy statements on the role of the director of public health in local government from 1 April 2013.

The Department of Health will publish further guidance, developed in partnership with local government, on the process for local authorities to appoint directors of public health jointly with Public Health England from 1 April 2013.